French surge seals semi-final spot

By Andrew Haslam at the Stade Georges Boulogne

Second-half goals from Hatem Ben Arfa and Jérémy Menez helped France to a
2-1 win against Turkey in Amboise and a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Perfect record
The result meant that the hosts won Group A having emerged victorious in all three games. Turkey's slender qualification hopes were ended by the defeat, with 2003 finalists Spain clinching second place thanks to a 4-1 win against Northern Ireland who therefore finished bottom of the section. France now play Portugal in the last four in Blois on Wednesday.

Çubukçu chance
France coach Philippe Bergeroo made two changes from the side that edged out 2003 finalists Spain, with Maxime Josse and Stéphane Marseille replacing Ognadon Akakpo and Ben Arfa. However, it was Turkey who threatened first, Bilal Çubukçu's curling free-kick forcing French goalkeeper Benoît Costil to tip acrobatically over the crossbar.

Noisy supporters
Urged on by substantial and noisy support, Turkey continued to control much of the opening exchanges, although neither side was able to carve out a genuine goalscoring opportunity with much of the play compressed in midfield. France came close to breaking the deadlock shortly before half-time as a loose ball span into the path of Samir Nasri, who was brought down by Enis Kahraman on the edge of the area. Menez's curling free-kick beat goalkeeper Volkan Babacan but rebounded off the crossbar, with Ahmed Yahiaoui's follow-up effort deflected behind.

Instant impact
Both teams made a change at half-time, with Ben Arfa coming on in place of Marseille while Turkish defender Melih Cagri Gündüz made way for striker Güven Güneri. France's substitute had made an impact within 60 seconds, as Menez did well down the left before sliding the ball into the path of Ben Arfa. With Babacan closing in, the striker prodded past the Turkish goalkeeper to put his side in front.

Babacan blocks
The lead might have been doubled less than two minutes later as Menez raced clear, but this time Babacan was able to block. France had started the second half at impressive pace, and could had added to their lead in the 47th minute as Babacan's clearance hit Menez and fell kindly for the forward, but Ugur Uçar was on hand to make a crucial challenge. Menez was then denied by Babacan again moments later as he raced clear once more.

Frantic pace
For all the French pressure, Gündüz Tekin Onay's team could have drawn level in the 55th minute as a good passing move sliced France open down the left, but Costil reacted sharply to block Çubukçu's low shot and stopped Güneri's effort with his legs moments later. At the other end Nasri's pass sent Ducasse clear, but Babacan took the ball off the midfield player's toe as he tried to round the goalkeeper.

Menez converts
Aksu then lifted the ball over from practically underneath the crossbar, before France wrapped up the points 12 minutes from time. Menez galloped clear again and made no mistake this time, beating Babacan with a powerful low shot. Aksu's fine goal three minutes into added time was scant consolation for Turkey.